Casey Bender

Casey Bender is a transfer kinesiology major from Hampshire, IL

Hometown: Hampshire, IL

High School: I was homeschooled.

Year: Expected graduation: spring 2026

Transfer from: Elgin Community College

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
Because half of my family went to NIU.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
When I was growing up, I wanted to be a mechanic. However, as I got older, I realized that academics aligned more with my interests and lifestyle, leading me to pursue a different path.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is kinesiology, which I chose as a pathway to transfer into chiropractic medicine. After working as a paramedic for several years, I realized that while I value helping others, I would rather focus on improving their overall well-being through preventative and rehabilitative care, rather than only treating them on their worst days.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
One thing that has pleasantly surprised me about my experience at NIU is how personable the professors are. In many of my past classes, instructors showed little interest in truly understanding students' progress or how they could help. However, at NIU, I have encountered many professors who take an active role in mentoring students, guiding them toward the best path for their individual goals.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
With everything I have going on, I sometimes find it challenging to build friendships in new places. However, at NIU, it only takes a few seconds to ask someone’s name and get to know them. This simple interaction has led to many new friendships for me, and I’m excited to see how they continue to grow.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
Not at the moment, but I hope to get involved once I have more time!

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
NIU’s academic advising and tutoring services have been invaluable in keeping me on track with my coursework. The Huskie Academic Success Center has provided helpful resources for studying and time management.

Are there transfer-specific resources, offices or services that you use to help you succeed at NIU?
Yes, NIU’s transfer center has been a great resource in helping me navigate the transition. They provide guidance on course equivalencies, academic planning and connecting with advisors to ensure I stay on track for my degree. The academic advising office has also been helpful in making sure my transferred credits apply correctly.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors has been Prof. Bill Martin, who taught BIO 209. Despite the large class size, he made learning biology feel personal and engaging. He would stay after class to help students who needed extra support and was always willing to assist outside of class as well. He also used relevant, real-world examples to show how biology plays a role in current events. His approach to teaching set a great example for how I aspire to educate and support others in my own daily life.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly has benefited me greatly! I prefer learning in person because listening to each lecture helps me fully grasp the material. Missing even one class could mean missing the key piece that makes everything click. Plus, attending in person allows me to ask the many questions I always have. More importantly, I believe every professor has valuable knowledge to share, regardless of how challenging their teaching style might seem. I make it a priority to learn from every instructor, even those who may be more difficult to understand at first.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the Holmes Student Center, specifically the southeast side of the building where there’s a piano. I love the piano, and this space feels peaceful to me because music has been a part of my life for so long. Whenever I get the chance, I enjoy playing, especially when it won’t disturb anyone.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Education is only as valuable as the effort you put into it. Getting into a prestigious school like Harvard means little if you don’t put in the work. College is an opportunity, a license to learn, so take full advantage of it, stay engaged and challenge yourself to grow.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is an opportunity to gain insight from those who have walked this path before me. It’s not just about acquiring knowledge. Anyone can open a book and learn, but a book can’t teach you what it’s like to navigate life. Engaging with others, learning from their experiences and seeing what they have accomplished helps me better understand my own potential and the possibilities ahead.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I use two key strategies to manage my time effectively. First, I have a whiteboard at home where I map out my schedule week by week. I block out homework, classes, extracurriculars — everything. This helps me stay organized and prevents me from feeling overwhelmed. By focusing on one week at a time, I find that the semester flies by before I know it. Second, I prioritize sleep. Without proper rest, it’s impossible to study effectively, be present with family or perform well at work. Getting quality sleep is essential to staying focused and performing at my best.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay informed primarily through my Outlook email. The university sends updates every few days, keeping me up to date on campus events and services, which I find very helpful.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I regularly dance to relax and recharge. Every Wednesday, I go social dancing to take my mind off life's stressors and reset. It’s a great way to catch up with old friends and enjoy socializing in a way that’s completely separate from school. When I’m not dancing, I’m usually playing video games with a few of my seven siblings. Whether it’s Call of Duty or Minecraft, there’s always someone ready to join in.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work as a firefighter paramedic and have been in this role for about five years. While in school, I work night shifts, and this experience has been incredibly valuable for my personal growth. My hobbies, however, keep me the busiest. I compete in West Coast Swing across the U.S. and have been dancing for two years, reaching the advanced division. Dancing allows me to express myself creatively in ways I never had the chance to before. Before dance, I performed in musicals like “Newsies,” “Holiday Inn” and “Overshadowed.” Outside of the arts, I love to travel and have visited Japan, Thailand, Mexico and Singapore. I also have my A-license in skydiving and have even gone wing walking — yes, walking on the wing of a flying plane! If you ask me to try something crazy, there’s a good chance I’ll say yes.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
Balancing school, work as a firefighter paramedic, competitive dance and my other hobbies has been a challenge, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. It’s not always easy to juggle so many commitments, and sometimes it takes longer to reach my goals than it might for others. But I want to encourage everyone to stick with their passions, no matter how busy life gets. The journey may be demanding, but the sense of accomplishment that comes from pushing through and achieving your goals makes it all worth it!